Craighead County, Arkansas Tax Deed Sale: Key Information for Investors

Craighead County, in northeast Arkansas, uses a tax sale system. This means that when someone wins a bid at the auction, they get full ownership of the property instead of just a lien, which is a claim against it. In this guide, you will find out when and where the auction happens, how to take part in the bidding, and why this fast market can be a good way to make money if you are careful and do your homework.

Brief overview of Arkansas tax deed investing

In Arkansas, if someone doesn’t pay their property taxes for two years, the county takes the property and gives it to the Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). The state then sells the property at an auction from July to October. Starting July 2023, if you owe taxes, you need to pay them by 4 p.m. on the last business day before the auction. Once the auction starts, your payment cannot be returned. To bid at the auction, you must sign up, show a U.S. ID, and pay the full price right away—cash isn’t allowed. When you buy a property, you get a special deed, but it may have problems. After 90 days, it’s a good idea to file a quiet title action. This helps make sure the property really belongs to you and fixes any issues with the deed.

Important details

Detail	Information
Tax sale type	Tax deed
Typical sale date	Craighead County’s auction is typically held in late summer
Registration requirement	You must sign up to bid, starting at 9 a.m. before the auction. Show a U.S. ID to get your numbered card. Registration is free!
Registration start–end	Registration starts at 9 a.m. before the auction and ends at 10 a.m. Only people who sign up can place bids. If you arrive late, you might not be allowed to bid.
Auction time and location	The auction is at 10 a.m. CT at the Hilton Garden Inn Ballroom, 2840 S. Caraway Road, Jonesboro. COSL may change places for the auction each year based on what’s available.
Redemption period	You have to pay off your debts by 4 p.m. CT on the last business day before the tax sale. If you don’t, you could lose your property.
Bid procedure	Bidding starts at the total amount of taxes, penalties, and interest due. Auctions happen by county name, and parcels are sold in order of their sale number. The highest bidder wins and must pay right away using a check or a debit/credit card; cash is not allowed.
Deposit	At a live auction, you pay the full price right away. For online auctions after the sale, your card is charged $100 for each property. This happens because the owners didn’t pay their taxes..
Contact for more info	Contact Info for Tax Sale: – Commissioner of State Lands (COSL): Call 501-324-9422 or email [email protected] Craighead County Tax Collector: Wes Eddington, call 870-933-4560 or email [email protected].

Arkansas tax deed features that stand out

Arkansas’s tax deed process offers several unique advantages for investors:

• No post‑sale redemption period. Starting in July 2023, if someone hasn’t paid their property taxes, they must pay what they owe by 4 p.m. the day before the auction. After the auction happens, no changes can be made to the sales. This new rule helps buyers take care of the property faster..
  
• In‑person auctions reduce competition. In Arkansas, if you want to buy properties that are unsold, you need to either go to a live auction or register online. Some other states only have online sales, which means if you live nearby and are willing to travel, there are usually not as many people trying to buy the property. This can be a good chance to find a deal!.
  
• Quick transfer of ownership. When someone wins a property at a tax sale, they get a special paper called a deed after they pay for it. This paper shows that they own the property, and it’s saved in the county’s records. There’s a time period of 90 days where other people can say if they think the sale was not fair or if they have a good reason to dispute it..
  
• Unsold‑property auctions. If a parcel of land doesn’t sell during the live sale, it will be put on a special website 30 days later for people to look at. If someone bids online, they need to pay a $100 deposit for each parcel right away. Then, they have ten business days to pay the rest of the money for the land they want to buy.
  

These things make Arkansas a good place for investors who want to buy land or houses themselves instead of just buying a tax lien..

Fun facts about Arkansas

Understanding the broader context helps investors appreciate the state they’re investing in. Here are some interesting facts:

• Population & economy. Arkansas is a state with about 3.1 million people. It is the 34th largest state in terms of population. The state has many different types of jobs, including farming, selling goods, and transportation. One big company called Walmart is located in Benton County, Arkansas. The average amount of money each person makes is about $42,450, and the typical household earns around $58,773.
  
• Low property taxes. People in Arkansas generally pay low property taxes, which is money they give to the government for owning a home or land. On average, a person in Arkansas pays about $705 a year in property taxes. In Craighead County, the average is a bit higher at $1,084, but it’s still much lower than in many big cities in other states.
  
• Natural beauty. Arkansas has beautiful mountains, a rich farm area, and warm springs that make it a great place for outdoor fun. In Craighead County, there is a place called the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. This center teaches visitors about a special ridge above the Mississippi Delta. The building is very big and connects to Craighead Forest Park. It has a prairie, a pond, and forests, and there are fun things to see inside and outside about animals and rocks.
  
• Cultural and recreational amenities.Jonesboro is the main city in its county and is home to Arkansas State University. There are museums, theaters, golf courses, and many fun art activities in the town. People who like the outdoors can go hiking, fishing, and camping in nearby parks and nature areas.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

Popular attractions

Craighead County blends natural beauty with modern conveniences. Visitors enjoy:

• Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is a big free building where you can learn about nature. It has fun displays, movies, and trails for walking. It is next to Craighead Forest Park and is on a large area with fields, ponds, and forests.
  
• Craighead Forest Park is a big park that covers 692 acres. It has a place where you can fish, areas for camping, trails for riding bikes on, and places to play disc golf. The park is next to a nature center and has many trails you can walk or ride on.
  
• The ASU Museum and Fowler Center is a place at Arkansas State University. The museum shows the history of the area and the story of nature. The Fowler Center is where they have concerts, art shows, and plays.
  
• Historic downtown Jonesboro is a special area with many shops and places to eat. It has nice little stores where you can buy things and restaurants where you can enjoy meals. There’s also an old courthouse that shows the city’s history.

Transportation infrastructure

Craighead County has good roads and travel options. Interstate 555 connects Jonesboro to Interstate 55 and Memphis. U.S. Highways 49 and 63 go through the county, making it easy to get around. The Jonesboro Municipal Airport has daily flights to Nashville and helps with small planes too. The railroads run by BNSF and Union Pacific help move goods for businesses, and several trucking companies help local farms and factories.

Economic development

Craighead County makes money mainly from farming and making things. They grow rice, soybeans, cotton, and raise chickens. They also have factories that process food, make steel, and parts for cars. Arkansas State University and many hospitals help people learn and get medical care. The county has good roads and train tracks, which help move things around. Low property taxes and reasonable wages make it a good place for businesses to operate.

Community appeal

Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, affordable housing and year‑round recreation. The area offers:

• Outdoor recreation – Hiking, fishing, boating and hunting are popular thanks to parks, lakes and wildlife areas.
  
• Arts & entertainment – Jonesboro hosts festivals, live music, theatres and the Downtown Farmers Market.
  
• Eco‑tourism – Birdwatching, nature trails and educational programs at the nature center draw visitors of all ages.
  
• Historical attractions – Museums and historic buildings chronicle the area’s Civil War history and agricultural heritage.
  

These amenities make Craighead County attractive not just for investors but also for eventual occupants of properties purchased at auction.

Why Craighead County tax deeds are a smart investment

High returns with low risk

In Arkansas, auctions start at the amount of unpaid taxes on a property, which often means winning bids are much lower than the property’s market value. Buyers can get the property without most previous debts, although some municipal fees and certain federal debts may still apply. Since there is no waiting period after the sale, buyers can start clearing the title right away and can resell or develop the property after a 90-day legal period. With low property taxes and small holding costs, these factors can lead to good returns on investment.

Auction process for tax deeds

1. Research – Check COSL’s auction list and DataScoutPro to look at parcel numbers, legal details, and past due tax amounts. If you can, visit the property and look for any unpaid debts or fees. The nature center and county websites have maps and location information.
   
2. Register – Get to the auction place by 9 a.m. to sign up. Make sure to bring a photo ID from the state or federal government. Signing up is free.
   
3. Bidding – Auctions are done in alphabetical order by county. The auctioneer announces the sale number and details about the property. Bidding begins at the amount of tax owed and goes up by amounts decided by the bidders. The person who bids the most wins.
   
4. Payment – Pay the total bid amount right away using a personal or business check, certified funds, or a credit/debit card. Cash cannot be accepted.
   
5. Deed issuance – After payment, the COSL gets ready and writes a limited warranty deed. Buyers should wait at least 90 days before doing big changes because sales can be questioned during the legal process..
   
6. Quiet title – Talk to a lawyer to file a quiet-title lawsuit to get a clear title. You usually can’t get title insurance until the title is cleared up.
   
7. Unsold‑property auction – If you miss the live sale, look at COSL’s post-auction list 30 days later. Sign up online, place a $100 deposit for each parcel, and try to outbid others during the 30-day online bidding period. Make sure to pay the rest within ten business days to get your deed.
   

Maximum potential returns

In Arkansas, people who buy tax deeds don’t earn interest because they are buying the property itself, not just a debt. They make money by selling or renting the property later. For example, a property that has $3,000 in unpaid taxes might be worth $20,000. If someone wins the bid at $4,000 and then sells it for $18,000, they can make a good profit. The actual profit depends on how much work needs to be done, repair costs, and the market. Since property taxes are usually low (in Craighead, the average is $1,084), the costs of keeping the property while getting it ready to sell are not too high.

Open to all (U.S.) investors

Anyone who is 18 years old or older and has a U.S. address and a government ID can join in Arkansas tax deed auctions. People from other countries cannot buy land, and those who have bad checks may not be allowed to join future auctions. Many people from other states join because there is not much competition and the rules are easy to follow.

Understanding the Craighead County tax deed sale process

How the auction works

Craighead County will have an auction in 2025. It is an auction for the whole area. People can start signing up at 9 in the morning, and the auction will start at 10. They will call the counties in order: first Craighead, then Mississippi, and last Poinsett. The auctioneer will tell everyone about each piece of land for sale, and people can raise their cards to bid on it. You have to bid at least as much money as the unpaid taxes on the property. Once a property is sold, the new owner cannot change their mind and give it back.

Expected returns on Craighead County tax deeds

When people buy tax deeds in Arkansas, they can sometimes get land for just a few thousand dollars because the bids start at the amount owed in back taxes. But there are extra costs to think about, like lawyer fees for quiet-title proceedings, fixing up the land, and paying this year’s property taxes by October 15. Some lots can make a lot of money, but others might not have easy access or might come with debts. It’s smart for careful investors to see Arkansas tax deeds as a way to earn money, but they should be careful and choose wisely..

Foreign investor participation

Arkansas has a rule that says only people who live in the United States can buy certain pieces of land. If someone tries to buy land but their home is in another country, the sale can be canceled and they will lose their money. This rule helps keep the land in the U.S. and is important for people from other countries who want to buy land here.

Importance of due diligence

Doing your homework is the best way for investors to avoid problems. In Arkansas, the COSL gives only the property’s legal description, how much tax is owed, and names of people interested in the property. It does not promise that the property can be used or that you can get to it. Before you bid, make sure to look into everything carefully.:

• Verify the property’s location.Use DataScoutPro or the county’s maps to find the piece of land. If you can, drive by to see how to get there, what the land looks like, and if someone lives there. The land’s details might tell you how big it is instead of giving a street name.
  
• Check for liens and assessments. Not all liens are paid off when a house is sold for taxes. Some special fees from places like cities or the government can still stick around. It’s a good idea to check court papers and maybe get help from someone who knows about property. If the federal government has a claim against the house, they have 120 days to get it back, so it’s smart to plan for that.
  
• Understand zoning and land use. Some pieces of land might not be easy to get to, could get flooded, or have rules about how to build on them. It’s a good idea to look at county maps and call the planning office if you have any questions..
  
• Estimate repair costs. Buildings are sold the way they are. You can look at them from the street, but you should think that there might be things that need fixing that you can’t see..
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

Failing to research thoroughly can lead to costly surprises: an inaccessible lot, environmental contamination or liens that exceed the property’s value. Uninformed bidders may overpay and struggle to resell. Remember that quiet‑title suits and title insurance are additional expenses. Always verify before you bid.

Buying over‑the‑counter (OTC) liens/deeds in Arkansas

How to purchase OTC deeds

Parcels not sold at the live auction automatically move to the Unsold‑Property Auction 30 days later. To buy one:

1. Search the list. Check COSL’s post-auction site to see any parcels that didn’t sell. You can use the map or the list to find one you like.
   
2. Register online. Create an account and verify your identity. A valid credit/debit card is required; a third‑party vendor checks your ID.
   
3. Place a bid. You may enter a maximum bid and let the system increment for you. A $100 earnest money payment is automatically charged to your card if your bid wins. If the winning bid is less than $100, the full amount is charged.
   
4. Pay the balance. The remaining balance must be sent by certified funds within ten business days. Failure to pay forfeits the deposit and may bar you from future auctions.
   

Receive your deed. After payment, the COSL issues a limited warranty deed. A 90‑day litigation period still applies.

Benefits of OTC purchases

• Less competition. Many people like to bid in live auctions. Because of this, parcels that don’t sell might get fewer bids.
  
• Fixed timeline. The 30-day online time gives you enough time to look things up and check them carefully.
  
• Potential bargains. Some parcels that didn’t sell might be forgotten because of small problems. These problems can be fixed if we look into them a bit more..
  
• No live attendance required. Investors can place bids remotely from any location within the United States.
  

Why Craighead County is a top choice for investors

Investors choose Craighead County and Arkansas for several reasons:

• Economic strength. The region boasts a diverse economy with agriculture, manufacturing, education and healthcare. Steady population growth and an affordable cost of living support real estate demand.
  
• Low holding costs. Median property taxes in Craighead County are around $1,084, keeping operating expenses low while you clear title or renovate.
  
• Quick path to ownership. With no post‑sale redemption, investors can proceed to quiet title faster than in states with redemption periods.
  
• Legal safeguards. A 90‑day litigation window provides certainty; after it expires and with quiet title, the deed becomes marketable
  
• Community appeal. Jonesboro’s parks, universities, cultural venues and proximity to Memphis make the area attractive to families and renters.
  

Conclusion

In Craighead County, there is a special sale where you can buy land or houses for less money than usual. To join in, you need to sign up by 9 a.m. and bring an ID and money that you can pay with. In Arkansas, once you buy a property, there is no waiting period to back out, which means you can get your new property quickly.  The property taxes are low and there are many different jobs available, which makes it a good place to buy. However, you need to do some homework first. Check where the property is, make sure there are no debts on it, and think about how you want to use it later.  Whether you are bidding in person or online, remember that each property is different. With careful planning and patience, buying properties in Craighead County can help you make money in the future.

Pro tips for the Craighead County auction

• Arrive early. Registration opens at 9 a.m. but lines can form quickly. Bring a pen and your bidder card.
  
• Bring multiple payment options. Carry checks or a debit/credit card in case one method fails. COSL does not accept cash.
  
• Dress comfortably. Auctions may last several hours as counties are called alphabetically.
  
• Set a budget. Determine your maximum bid based on the property’s value and your renovation budget. Don’t get caught up in bidding wars.
  
• Check current‑year taxes. The winning bidder is responsible for paying the current year’s taxes to the collector by Oct. 15.
  
• Engage local professionals. A local attorney or title company can help with quiet‑title actions and ensure there are no lingering liens.
  

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is there a redemption period after the sale?

No. Since July 2023 the redemption deadline is 4 p.m. the last business day before the sale. After the auction the sale is final.

How do I pay if I win?

You must pay in full at the auction using a personal or business check, money order or credit/debit card. Cash is not accepted.

What happens to unsold parcels?

Unsold parcels are listed on COSL’s post‑auction site 30 days later. You can bid online by placing a $100 earnest money deposit per parcel. The balance is due within ten business days.

Where can I research parcels?

COSL’s auction catalog links to DataScoutPro for parcel cards. The county assessor and circuit clerk offices offer maps and records. The nature center and county websites provide GIS mapping and interactive resources.

Useful links

• Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• Craighead County Collector’s Office
• Craighead County Website
• Arkansas offers a wealth of opportunities with Tax Deed Investing
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50!

Need a hand?

Looking to invest in Craighead County? Begin by reviewing our Auction Calendar to see which properties are coming up for sale. Our free resources are designed to make things easier to understand, and if you want advice tailored to your situation, simply Book a call.

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